Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance and Corporate Sustainable Development in China

Xuan Wang(Xuan Wang),Shanyue Jin(Shanyue Jin) The International Academy of Global Business and T 2023 The International Academy of Global Business and T Vol.19 No.1

Purpose - With the acceleration of global integration and the deepening of the market economy, sustainable development is receiving unprecedented attention worldwide. Corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is one of the most important ways of promoting sustainable development. Companies with good ESG performance excel both operationally and financially, maintaining their competitive advantage and achieving sustainable corporate growth. This study examines the impact of ESG performance on corporate sustainability and identifies factors that influence this relationship from the perspective of external governance structures. Design/Methodology/Approach - This study investigates the impact of corporate ESG performance on corporate sustainability using a fixed-effects model with Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. It also explores the moderating roles of external audit quality, the shareholding ratio of institutional investors, and analyst attention on the impact of ESG performance on corporate sustainability. Findings - The findings show that corporate ESG performance can contribute to sustainable development. External audit quality, the shareholding ratio of institutional investors, and analyst attention have positive moderating effects on ESG performance, which can contribute to sustainable development. Research Implications - This study enriches theoretical research in ESG performance and sustainability, and identifies external governance factors that contribute to the relationship between the two. Consequently, it provides suggestions for listed company growth and sustainability practices

Evaluation of Renal Pathophysiological Processes Induced by an Iodinated Contrast Agent in a Diabetic Rabbit Model Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion and Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Yongfang Wang,Xin Zhang,Bin Wang,Yang Xie,Yi Wang,Xuan Jiang,Rongjia Wang,Ke Ren 대한영상의학회 2019 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.20 No.5

Objective: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Results: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxiainducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. Conclusion: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CIAKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.

Design variations

Wang Zi Xuan 한국콘텐츠학회 2022 한국콘텐츠학회 ICCC 논문집 Vol.2022 No.12

Stathmin is a Marker of Progression and Poor Prognosis in Esophageal Carcinoma

Wang, Feng,Xuan, Xiao-Yan,Yang, Xuan,Cao, Lei,Pang, Li-Na,Zhou, Ran,Fan, Qin-Xia,Wang, Liu-Xing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Stathmin, also called oncoprotein 18, is a founding member of the family of microtubule-destabilizing proteins that play a critical role in the regulation of mitosis. At the same time stathmin has been recognized as one of responsible factors in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess stathmin status, its correlations with clinicopathological parameters and its role as a progosnostic marker in EC patients. The protein and mRNA levels of stathmin were examined byimmunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization in 100EC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues. mRNA and protein expression of stathmin in three EC cell lines(EC9706, ECa109, EC1 commonly used in research) were also analyzed using immunocytochemistry, western blot and in situ hybridization. The prognostic value of Stathmin expression within the tumor tissues were assessed by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. We showed that stathmin expression was significantly higher in EC tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. High stathmin immunostaining score in the EC was positively correlated with tumor differentiation, Tumor invasion, Lymph node metastases, and TNM stage. In addition, we demonstrated that three EC cell lines examined, were constitutively expressing a high level of stathmin. Of those, EC-1 showed the strongest mRNA and protein expression for the stathmin analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that significantly longer 5-year survival rate was seen in EC patients with high Stathmin expression, compared to those with low expression of Stathmin expression. Furthermore, multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses revealed that Stathmin was an independent factors affecting the overall survival probability. In conclusion, our data provide a basis for the concept that stathmin might be associated with EC development and progression. High levels of Stathmin expression in the tumor tissues may be a good prognostic marker for patients with EC.

Autophagy Involvement in Olanzapine-Mediated Cytotoxic Effects in Human Glioma Cells

Wang, Yi-Xuan,Xu, Shu-Qing,Chen, Xiang-Hui,Liu, Rui-Si,Liang, Zhong-Qin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.19

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of olanzapine on growth inhibition as well as autophagy in glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. The proliferation of both LN229 and T98 glioma cells, measured by MTT assay, was suppressed in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Moreover, apoptosis of both cells was significantly increased with the treatment of olanzapine as evidenced by increased Bcl-2 expression, Hoechst 33258 staining and annexinV-FITC/PI staining. Olanzapine treatment also enhanced activation of autophagy with increased expression of LC3-II, expression of protein p62, a substrate of autophagy, being decreased. The growth inhibition by olanzapine in both glioma cell lines could be blocked by co-treatment with 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor. Furthermore, olanzapine effectively blocked the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of LN229 glioma cells in vivo. The increased level of protein LC3-II and decreased level of p62 followed by a decreased level of Bcl-2, suggesting that autophagy may contribute to apoptosis. In addition, reduced proliferation of glioma cells was shown by a decrease of Ki-67 staining and increased caspase-3 staining indicative of apoptosis in mouse xenografts. These results indicated that olanzapine inhibited the growth of glioma cells accompanied by induction of autophagy and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Olanzapine-induced autophagy plays a tumor-suppressing role in glioma cells.

REINFORCEMENT OF CARBON NANOFIBERS FOR IPMC ACTUATORS EMPLOYING SULFONATED POLY(STYRENE-B-ETHYLENE-CO-BUTYLENE-B-STYRENE) IONOMERS

Xuan-Lun Wang,Il-Kwon Oh 한국소음진동공학회 2008 한국소음진동공학회 국제학술대회논문집 Vol.2008 No.7

Progressive Collapse Mechanism Analysis of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubular Column to Steel Beam Joint with Bolted–Welded Hybrid Connection

Wang Jing-Xuan,Yang Yong,Xian Wei,Li Qiu-Ying 한국강구조학회 2020 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.20 No.5

When vertical load-bearing members of building structures are subjected to accidental loadings, such as an earthquake, fi re or explosion, the remaining structure chiefl y relies on the beam mechanism and catenary mechanism of the steel beam as the main resistance capacity, to prevent local or large-scale progressive collapse. This paper presents a three-dimensional fi nite element model of concrete-fi lled square steel tubular (CFST) column to steel beam joint with bolted–welded hybrid connection in a middle-column-removal scenario using ABAQUS software. The multi-scale modeling method was employed to calculate the collapse resistance and mechanism under vertical load. The vertical displacement and bearing capacity curve of the middle failure column was calculated and analyzed. The collapse mechanism and bearing capacity contribution of the steel beam tying in diff erent directions are also discussed. Results indicate that the failure mechanism of the process includes the beam mechanism, the translation mechanism, the catenary mechanism and the failure stage. After the short-span steel beam had been destroyed, the long-span steel beam continued to provide collapse resistance capacity. To improve progressive collapse resistance, the CFST column to steel beam joint with welded haunch is proposed in this paper. Comparing the anti-collapse bearing capacity and failure characteristics of the joint with the welded haunch and common joint indicates that the anti-collapse capacity of the joint with welded haunch can be improved, and the research results can be referenced for engineering progressive collapse design.

Microstructure-modified proton exchange membranes for high-performance direct methanol fuel cells

Wang, Manxiang,Liu, Guicheng,Tian, Zhe,Shao, Yingna,Wang, Lei,Ye, Feng,Tran, Minh Xuan,Yun, Yanbin,Lee, Joong Kee Elsevier 2017 Energy conversion and management Vol.148 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>To lower methanol crossover and volume swelling degree, and to improve proton conductivity, a simple hot-mould-modifying method has been introduced to modify Nafion membrane for the direct methanol fuel cell application. To evaluate effect of the modification on properties of the Nafion membrane and fuel cell performance, a series of measurements of membranes and fuel cells have been carried out. The results show that, compared with the normal membrane, the modified Nafion membrane with regular spindle-type groove array possesses higher proton conductivity and methanol diffusion resistance, and 31.9% better dimensional stability, owing to its larger electrical double-layer capacitance come from the higher contact area between electron-electrode and ion electrolyte, and its more compact internal structure. And also, the direct methanol fuel cell based on the modified Nafion membrane shows 13.3% higher discharge power density and better long-time running performance than the normal one. Furthermore, this hot-mould-modifying method could be introduced into doping/coating-modified membranes reported in the current literature to further modify Nafion membranes, because this method is compatible with the current modifications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A simple hot-mould-modified Nafion membrane is used for direct methanol fuel cells. </LI> <LI> Regular spindle-type groove array is uniformly distributed on the membrane surface. </LI> <LI> Modification lowers methanol crossover, swelling, and improves proton conductivity. </LI> <LI> Power density and long-time running performance of fuel cells are improved visibly. </LI> <LI> This method provides a practicable way for direct methanol fuel cell applications. </LI> </UL> </P>

Structure and Electrical Performance of Na₂C₆O₆ under High Pressure

Wang, Xuan,Zhang, Peijie,Tang, Xingyu,Guan, Junjie,Lin, Xiaohuan,Wang, Yajie,Dong, Xiao,Yue, Binbin,Yan, Jinyuan,Li, Kuo,Zheng, Haiyan,Mao, Ho-kwang American Chemical Society 2019 The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C Vol. No.

<P>Sodium rhodizonate (Na<SUB>2</SUB>C<SUB>6</SUB>O<SUB>6</SUB>) has very high theoretical capacity as a positive electrode material of sodium-ion batteries, but it still has problems such as low actual capacity and poor electronic/ionic conductivity. In order to improve its conductivity, we investigated its structure and electrical properties under high pressure. By performing in situ X-ray diffraction, Raman, infrared absorption, and alternating current impedance spectroscopy in the range of 0-30 GPa at room temperature, we observed a phase transition at ∼11 GPa, with the conductivity increasing by an order of magnitude. Above ∼20 GPa, Na<SUB>2</SUB>C<SUB>6</SUB>O<SUB>6</SUB> gradually amorphized. During the decompression process, the pressure regulation of the structure and properties of the material are reversible. Our study shows that applying external pressure is an effective tool to improve the conductivity of molecular battery materials. The investigation will help to obtain next-generation electrode materials.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Electro-active polymer actuators employing sulfonated poly(styrene-ran-ethylene) as ionic membranes

Wang, Xuan-Lun,Oh, Il-Kwon,Cheng, Tai-Hong John Wiley Sons, Ltd. 2010 Polymer international Vol.59 No.3

<P>We first investigated sulfonated poly(styrene-ran-ethylene) (SPSE) as a novel ionic membrane for electro-active polymer actuators. SPSE is a newly developed hydrocarbon ionomer synthesized through a post-sulfonation procedure. The thermal, electrical, morphological and mechanical properties, as well as ion-exchange capacity, proton conductivity and water uptake were investigated and compared to a Nafion<SUP>®</SUP> counterpart. Tensile tests revealed that the SPSE membrane has good mechanical stiffness and strength while immersed in water. SPSE copolymers have good thermal stability and are easily processed for the production of membranes. In this study, SPSE actuators were fabricated according to traditional ionomeric polymer–metal composite preparation procedures and tailored to moderate dimensions. The bending responses of the SPSE actuators under both AC and DC electric excitations were investigated. The voltage–current behaviors of the actuators under AC excitation were also measured. The results showed that the SPSE actuators have good electromechanical performance with regard to tip displacement. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry</P> <B>Graphic Abstract</B> <P>We investigated sulfonated poly(styrene-ran-ethylene) (SPSE) as a novel ionic membrane for electro-active polymer actuators. SPSE is a newly developed hydrocarbon ionomer synthesized through a post-sulfonation procedure. <img src='wiley_img_2010/09598103-2010-59-3-PI2775-gra001.gif' alt='wiley_img_2010/09598103-2010-59-3-PI2775-gra001'> </P>